1245 God of the fathers

God’s particular association with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the fathers of the nations of Israel, highlights his faithfulness in fulfilling the promises made to them. He is the God who establishes a covenant with his people for their everlasting blessing.

God’s relationship with the fathers

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Ac 7:32 See also Ex 3:6,15; Ex 4:5

The God of Jacob Ps 20:1 “Jacob” is used here as a synonym for the nation of Israel. This usage is common in the Psalms as a reminder to God’s people of his faithfulness to Jacob and the emergent nation of Israel. See also Ge 32:27-28; Ps 14:7; Ps 46:7,11; Ps 75:9; Ps 76:6; Ps 114:7

Such a relationship served as an encouragement to others Abraham’s servant was encouraged to trust God in his mission by the example of Abraham’s faith: Ge 24:12,27,42,48 God’s people were frequently encouraged by the relationship they saw between God and other individuals (e.g., Jos 1:5; 2Ki 2:14): Ge 26:24; Ge 31:42,53
Ge 46:1-3 Jacob learned to fear and trust God through his father Isaac.

God’s covenant with the fathers

God’s promises that they will be the fathers of a great nation Ge 28:13-15 See also Ge 26:2-4; Ex 3:16-17

God remembers and fulfils his promises Ex 2:24 See also Ex 6:3-5; Ex 32:13; Lev 26:42; Dt 1:8; Ac 7:17

God makes a covenant with his people to be their God Dt 29:12-13 See also Ge 17:7; Ex 6:7-8; Ps 105:8-11

Characteristics of the God of the fathers

He blesses his people Dt 1:11 See also Dt 30:20

He is powerful 1Ki 18:36-39

He is gracious and compassionate 2Ki 13:23

He keeps his people faithful 1Ch 29:18

He gives wisdom Da 2:23

He is the God of the living Mt 22:32 pp Mk 12:26-27 pp Lk 20:37-38

People sometimes fail to respond to the God of their fathers

Jos 18:3 See also Nu 32:11; Dt 6:10-12; Dt 9:27; 2Ch 30:7

See also